Letters -- Published Feb. 7, 2013

Thursday

Feb 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

The Jan. 24 letter, "Get private enterprise to control guns," made me pause and think. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry, but regardless, it compels some consideration about the American culture that is clearly distinct from other developed cultures around the world. If we fail to consider culture when we discuss and debate gun regulation, we will flounder like a fish out of water.

The Jan. 24 letter, "Get private enterprise to control guns," made me pause and think. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry, but regardless, it compels some consideration about the American culture that is clearly distinct from other developed cultures around the world. If we fail to consider culture when we discuss and debate gun regulation, we will flounder like a fish out of water.

There is no question that Americans like guns more than most peoples in the world. We also seem to have difficulty resolving disagreements and push pretty hard to have our way, hence the proliferation of attorneys. We are clearly a litigious culture.

And we believe in ourselves to the extent that we think and act as though other cultures really must be made to emulate us. Taken with our guns and our propensity to push to get our way, we find ourselves in many conflicts around the world.

The majority of gun deaths are from handguns, not assault rifles. Many deaths are due to criminal use of handguns, plus suicides and accidents. Limiting the destructive capacity of assault-style weapons by limiting the size of magazines makes sense, but the more poignant question is, "How will we deal with the huge number of handguns and the culture that seems to think it proper to use them?"

How do we begin to change our culture to promote a widespread sense that we can resolve differences without violent means? Perhaps setting national standards for gun ownership, storage and safety is as good a place as any.

Charles R. McCormick

Stockton

On the morning of Dec. 14 children and teachers were massacred with high-powered assault weapons at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Even hunted animals are given more respect. They are usually shot one time with one rifle. Unfortunately, it took the sacrifice of these 27 victims, including the shooter's mother, and the discovery that the multiple assault weapons used to carry out this dastardly murderous spree were those of the murdered mother of this crazed murderer (Adam Lanza), in order for Congress to finally take this issue seriously and begin the process of amending those gun laws, and control these guns and high-powered weapons.

For decades, many gun owners have sought and expected refuge behind the protection of the 2nd Amendment - "the right to bear arms" - stating they have the right to "protect" themselves and to hunt game.

In truth, many of these people are paranoid extremists who use this amendment to justify stockpiling high-powered weaponry in fear of perceived vengeful people of color attacking them in what they believe is an inevitable race war.

Unfortunately, Congress makes the laws; therefore, the congressmen and women who we elect to represent our interest need to take heed of these ever-progressing senseless murderous sprees and change the gun control laws immediately. They can start by making the ownership and possession of any and all high-powered assault weapons illegal, no matter who owns them or with what card-carrying organization, political or otherwise, they are affiliated.

Bob Hailey

Stockton

I believe Stockton Unified Superintendent Steve Lowder needs to understand what a contract is. Your signature on the bottom of the contract means you read and understand what it states.

In this time of frozen funds, teacher and staff layoffs, what make Lowder believe he should be the exception?

Stating that the previous person in his job was paid more is a weak argument.

As to stability, Lowder should finish his term and prove his worth. It may be a hot seat he's in but it will cool with time and proven ability.